Today, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday met with Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Adm. Sakai Ryo in Venice, Italy, at the Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium.

The two leaders discussed maritime security, deterrence, and ongoing efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Gilday noted the alliance between Japan and the U.S. is the cornerstone of peace and stability in the region, and that both nations share a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Gilday thanked Sakai for the leadership role JMSDF played in the recent Rim of the Pacific Exercise. JMSDF and U.S. naval forces regularly operate together around the globe. This year the two navies also participated in exercises such as Noble Fusion, Sea Dragon, Resilient Shield, and numerous other bilateral and multilateral engagements.

Gilday looks forward to traveling to the Indo-Pacific later this year, where he will attend the Japan International Fleet Review and continue his dialogue with Sakai and other heads of navy.